Bone Grafts Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bone Grafts, including details on spine fusion, surgery, procedure, risks.

Efficacy of small reconstruction plates in vascularized bone graft mandibular reconstruction.

Farwell DG, Kezirian EJ, Heydt JL, Yueh B, Futran ND

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis, 2521 Stockton Blvd, Suite 7200, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.

BACKGROUND: Utilization of vascularized bone grafts rigidly fixated with titanium reconstruction plates is the method of choice for reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects. We hypothesized that the use of the newer 2.0-mm locking reconstruction plate (LRP) is not associated with higher rates of complications when compared with larger, previously used plating systems. METHODS: A retrospective case series of 184 patients undergoing 185 vascularized bone graft reconstruction procedures of the mandible was conducted. RESULTS: There were 37 plate complications. There was no significant difference in complication rates for the 2 most used plate types (14.5% with the 2.0-mm LRP and 22.2% with the 2.4-mm LRP). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the smaller 2.0-mm LRP was not associated with an increase in the complications of plate fracture, exposure, infection, or nonunion. Because of its lower profile and ease of application, the 2.0-mm LRP is our plate of choice for mandibular reconstruction.

Published 22 June 2006 in Head Neck, 28(7): 573-9.
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